Dear Interested Reader,
The 320th FA devise a new clean water distribution system for 30,000 Iraqis. Marines of the 9th Regt. continue to bring progress to Ramadi. IA soldiers are put through the paces at the newly established training academy. Sunni and Shia tribal Shaykhs come together to pursue peaceful solutions. Civil Service Depts. help build stability and prosperity throughout Baghdad, and Iraqi NPs see large turnout during recruiting drive. Numerous AQI terrorists and other criminals are captured.
Joanna
____________________________
Nov. 7, 2008
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
30,000 Helped by New Clean Water Distribution System
By Pfc. Evan Loyd
Capt. Benjamin Neasse and Mr. Dean Michael toast to the completion of a water distribution system in the Muhmudiyah Qada.
Photo by Pfc. Evan Loyd
CAMP STRIKER — Local sheikhs, IA and Coalition Soldiers feasted in celebration of a water distribution system now complete in the Mahmudiyah Qada, Nov. 4, 2008. “Before this system, some people had no water besides the dirty canal water,” said a local Sheikh al-Merce. “Now many of those people have clean drinking water for the first time in their lives.”
Six months ago, CF helped to complete a water treatment plant for the region. The treatment plant could only supply a small amount of water to surrounding areas. Mr. Dean Michael, a bilingual bicultural adviser with the 2nd BCT, 1st Armored Div, developed an underground water distribution pipe system that delivers clean drinking water from the treatment plant. This process provides water to more than 30,000 Iraqi citizens.
The project was funded through the Iraqi Cmdr’s Emergency Relief Program. Coalition and Iraqi SF partnered to provide security during construction. “It is good to see the people getting what they need, and I look forward to working with the CF on future projects to improve the Qada,” said Col. Muhammad, cmdr.
“I'm glad I could see this finished. It’s great to see how many people we have helped,” said Capt. Benjamin Neasse, the civil affairs officer of the 3rd Bn 320th FA, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div. “This is what I came to Iraq to do.”
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Marines Continue Ramadi Support
In this file photo, Marines gaze at a statue donated to the city of Ramadi by a local Iraqi contractor.
By Lance Cpl. Jerry Murphy
RAMADI — The days of kicking in doors and large scale ops are quickly becoming a thing of the past in Iraq. Instead, CF main focus is rebuilding Iraq, and continuing to ensure Iraqi SF have the means available to ensure post-Provincial Iraqi Control security.
Now more than a month into their deployment, Weapons Co, 2nd Bn, 9th Marine Regt, RCT 1, has been successful at picking up where their predecessors with 1st Bn, 9th Marine Regt, left off.
“1/9 did a good job of making sure that we knew everything that we needed to know before they left,” said Sgt. Brian D. Allen, a 33-year-old rifleman. “Now, we’re trying to get Iraq to stand on its own two feet. We’re teaching and mentoring the IP, so that they can be seen as a professional org.”
The co.’s FOB is located within Ramadi’s city limits, allowing the Marines to work with IP and the community on a daily basis. “The co. is executing vehicle patrols and presence patrols every day,” Allen said. “The locals see our faces and know that we’re still here and it seems like they like that.”
The Marines are hoping to help the Iraqi people establish their govt and economy, and put an Iraqi face to the solutions of Iraqi problems. They are also optimistic about the success of the transfer to Provincial Iraqi Control in al Anbar, and confident that when it comes time to turn security throughout Iraq back over to its people, it will be a smooth process. “The Iraqis will eventually take over [all security responsibility] and won’t need our help anymore,” said Lance Cpl. Joshua R. Casey, a 19-year-old mortarman. “We’re putting everything in the Iraqi’s hands and helping them out when they need it, and I think that will help them in the long run.”
In a short period of time, Marines have established themselves within the Ramadi community as a unit the people can go to for aid, and they plan to continue assisting them as much as they can. “We’ve still got a lot of time left here and we’re going to make the best out of it and help the Iraqis as much as possible,” Allen said.
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CSDs help build stability, sustainable momentum in Baghdad
By Maj. Lorraine Januzelli
CAMP LIBERTY - Soldiers from the 4th ID are establishing 32 Civil Service Depts. (CSDs) throughout Baghdad, to train military-aged males in apprentice-based programs that directly support municipal public works.
The programs, which are a partnership between MND-B and local Baghdad municipalities, have the potential to train and employ 6,100 individuals. Though the programs are community based, their impact is considerably broader. "CSDs have 2 primary goals that support a much bigger picture," said Brig. Gen. Robin Swan, who serves as a dep. comm. gen. of the 4th ID, and MND-B. "The 1st is to assist the GOI with transitioning many of the SoI from armed service into successful civilian govt or private sector employment. The 2nd goal is to train them in the high-demand technical skills that will provide a sustainable workforce for public works and essential services needs for the Amanat, Baghdad Governate and private industry," he said.
The resulting combination has multiple reinforcing and enduring benefits, to include improved essential services delivery - power, water and sewer - and increasing the capacity of the GoI and local municipalities to manage their public works infrastructure.
"Each program is tailored to meet local needs and priorities," said Capt Tim Tehan, Economic Development Team chief with the 432nd CAB, attached to MND-B. The improved security situation has enabled the first 10 CSD programs to gain footing in their local communities, said Tehan. The remaining 22 are contracted and will be operational by the end of December with similar successes expected.
MND-B's flagship program, Jihad CSD Training Facility, located in the West Rashid district of Baghdad, is an example of a robust long-term program. Currently, 294 individuals, of which 176 are SoIs, are being trained on-the-job in a full complement of public works and civil service trades, such as medical training, clerical and administration training, telecommunications, civil and mechanical engineering, vehicle maintenance and commercial driving as well as other vocational courses.
"CSDs bring many benefits to the community," said Tehan. "Not only are they growing a skilled workforce, but students also train on real-world projects, leaving behind an improved infrastructure and quality of life." Electrical line refurbishment projects in Taji, Tarmiyah and Abu Ghraib are examples of specific short-term projects that dually address critical local needs, while providing on-site training for students.
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Weapons caches found during route clearance mission
HAWIJAH - Soldiers with Co A, 1st Bn, 67th Armor Regt, 2nd BCT, 4th ID discovered 4 weapons caches in the vicinity of Hawijah in Kirkuk Province, Nov. 4, during a route clearance mission.
The caches yielded rocket propelled launchers, more than 200 mortar rounds, artillery and rocket rounds of different calibers, and materials for making IEDs.
The route clearance team along with explosive experts reduced, through explosion, much of the cache finds at the site of discovery and transferred the rest of the materials to FOB Warrior in Kirkuk City, for further assessment.
Munitions found within four weapon cache sites.
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IA sets standards for their NCOs
COP OLD MOD - For weeks IA soldiers were put through their paces in order to successfully graduate the newly established training academy. The 11th IA Div. NCO trained to become instructors in the course in various different classes, ranging from reading and writing literacy, computer literacy and the Warrior Leader Course.
The course is designed to impact the entire division from the bns to the bdes. In his commencement address to the graduates, Iraqi Brig. Gen. Dhayf Ayub, chief of staff, 11th IA Div., said, "Take what you have learned and spread it throughout your units."
Each class was taught by a fellow IA NCO placing an Iraqi face on their own course. Each instructor was carefully selected and proficient in their assigned course. The literacy course contained basic reading, writing and mathematical instruction with several exams to measure performance in the course. Many Iraqi soldiers struggle with literacy and this course is designed to help make them successful soldiers and help them individually overcome some disadvantages.
The Warrior Leaders Course consisted of map reading, basic leadership skills, guard duties and responsibilities, patrolling, room clearing procedures and basic first aid. The students received instruction via PowerPoint slides, then were taken out to perform what they had learned in a practical exercise.
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Shaykhs pursue peaceful solutions
BAGHDAD - Invitations were sent to 50 to 100 people officially; unofficially, word of mouth caused more than 300 people to show up at an office in the Adhamiyah Sports Complex at Antar Square, Nov 1. The crowd gathered for what was the largest tribal council meeting in Baghdad's Adhamiyah district; it was also the first time since the summer of 2007 that Husayn Al-Tahan, the Gov. of Baghdad, had been in Adhamiyah.
"About 75% of the Shaykhs in the room were guys in the past who had not supported CF or the GOI," said Lt. Col. Michael Pappal, cmdr. of the 1st CAB, 68th Armor Regt, 3rd BCT, 4th ID.
The Shaykhs worked to find peaceful solutions for their differences. "People used to be scared to come to large meetings in Adhamiyah. This is a big sign of security improving," said IP Brig. Gen. Al- Dleme, the District Cmdr. Shaykh's representing Adhamiyah's 15 tribes, as well as Sunni and Shia tribal Shaykhs from 10 regions crowded into the room.
The meeting was opened with a passage from the Koran stressing unity. "We should all get along with no racism, no sectarianism; one tribe, one family, all brothers," was the passage's message. Messages supporting the overall progress in Adhamiyah from the PM's Office and the Islamic Party were read to the audience.
The tribal council and a group representing middle class residents from Adhamiyah addressed the assembled audience with a list of requests. They urged their fellow Iraqi's to: choose qualified people in the upcoming elections, continue reconciliation efforts in order to unify the citizens, request that the GOI and CF accelerate the releasing of detainees, help displaced residents returning to the area find a home, ask the GOI to help create jobs for the people, and ask for financial restitution for the 3,000 Adhamiyah families who lost family members to violence.
Tahan talked about how no one wanted the barriers, but that while the barriers, both physical and sectarian, had allowed security to develop, it is the time to remove them. He pointed out that these meetings were once only held in the Int'l Zone; now they can be held anywhere. He added that Shaykhs from Dubai have contacted him about investing in Baghdad and that he had asked them to build apartments for 100,000 people near Gaziliyah. It takes security for these kinds of investments, Tahan said. "We need to be one or we will fall," he said.
Shaykh Firas, an SoI leader ended the ceremony with a message to PM Maliki, "Adhamiyah is with the PM and the GOI."
Shaykh's representing Adhamiyah's 15 tribes, as well as Sunni and Shia tribal Shaykhs.
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ISOF, CF kill AQI cell leader during operation in East Mosul
BALAD - Iraqi SOF and CF killed an AQI cell leader and captured 2 suspected AQI terrorists during an operation in East Mosul, Nov. 4.
The individual was a cell leader in the village of Muhallabiyah, responsible for the kidnappings and killing of wealthy local nationals. His cell is also responsible for the recent kidnapping and murder of the local mayor's family in June.
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ISF captures 6 suspected criminals in central Iraq
BALAD - On Nov. 4 in Baghdad, elements from the 31st IA arrested a suspected criminal co. cmdr. on a local warrant. The individual's cell is allegedly responsible for conducting assassinations against Coalition and Iraqi forces in Kifl.
In a separate op on Nov. 3, Hillah SWAT team, operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, arrested a suspected criminal leader. The individual is allegedly responsible for conducting IED attacks against Coalition and Iraqi forces. During the operation, one other suspected criminal was detained.
On Nov. 2, elements from the 6th IA captured 3 suspected criminals in Huriya, a western neighborhood of Baghdad. These 3 individuals are believed to be responsible for IED attacks on CF and extra-judicial killings against the local populace.
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Iraqi NPs see large turnout during recruiting drive
BADUSH - The Iraqi NP were collecting applications of potential new police officers for a new unit during a recruiting drive at the IP Station in Badush, a village on the outskirts of Mosul, Nov. 4.
NP from Mosul are creating a new bn, said Maj. Gen. Latif, cmdr. They currently have 2 bns in Mosul. "We are looking for 1500 people from the surrounding areas of Mosul during this recruitment for the next few days," said Latif.
"Today's recruiting drive in Badush was significant because it showed that the NP are a just (and) fair org. that has the best interests of all Iraqis in mind," said Col. Geoffrey Ellerson, NPTT cmdr. in Mosul. "Today's recruiting event was the manifestation of Maj. Gen. Latif's promise, and the turnout was truly impressive," Ellerson said. "Over 250 men of Badush turned out today to be screened by NP and 135 were accepted as candidates for initial training. The Shurta of the 3rd NP Div are to be commended for their efforts in the town of Badush over the past few days," he said. "They acted out of national pride and duty, not for sectarian or political reasons."
Maj. Gen. Latif talks with local media and U.S. Soldiers during a recruiting drive in Badush.
(Army photo by Spc. Cynthia S. Teears)
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Coalition Forces Detain 24, Derail al-Qaeda Operations Throughout Iraq
BAGHDAD — A suspected terrorist who reports suggest is an administrative operative in the Tigris River Valley was captured by CF Nov. 6 in Tikrit, about 160 km north of Baghdad. The man is also believed to have connections to AQI regional leadership.
Nov. 7 in Tikrit, forces captured an alleged terrorist finance administrator, and detained a man assessed to be his associate.
CF in cooperation with Iraqi forces conducted 3 synchronized ops in Kirkuk Nov. 7, targeting AQI leadership and foreign terrorist facilitation networks in the Tamim Province. Two suspected terrorists were captured, and 7 additional suspects were detained for further questioning during the series of ops.
About 91 km south of Kirkuk, another CF op targeted and captured a suspected weapons facilitator for AQI in the Tigris River Valley. Four more suspects were also detained.
CF continued to degrade terrorist networks in Baghdad Nov. 7, capturing a man who reports suggest is an AQI administrative operative in the city.
Near Tarmiyah Nov. 7, which is about 37 km north of Baghdad, forces detained 7 suspects believed to be associates of a long-time terrorist operative in Anbar Province.
CF continued efforts to disrupt AQI networks in Mosul Nov. 7. There, forces captured a suspected terrorist assessed to have links to int'l al-Qaeda networks. The man, who's also believed to be a financial administrator was detained with 3 additional suspects.
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Rotary Donations
Army Cpl. Greg Farrell, 1st Bn, 2nd Marine Regt, RCT 1, presents text books to an Iraqi school teacher, Oct. 13, 2008. School supplies were donated to the Tri-Cities area schools by the Southeast Denver Rotary Club.
Photo by Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt.
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Jabella Market
U.S. Army Spc. Hardin stops to buy food from a market in Jabella, Oct. 31, 2008. Hardin is assigned to the 230th MP Co, 793rd MP Bn, 18th MP BCT.
Army photos by James Wagner.
A U.S. Army Soldier walks with children outside the Jabella market.
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